Method and system for virtually selecting clothing

ABSTRACT

A method for selecting clothing includes a computer that processes markings and produces a three-dimensional mathematical model of the body of a subject, which is input into a database using an identification number pertaining to the same. The database is accessible by the buyer, the seller and the clothing manufacturer. The method is applicable for selecting clothing for humans, and also for animals. Standard-shape graphical elements are applied, in a regular pattern, to an elastic covering which is worn on the body, and the relationship between the elements is used as a basis for forming a three-dimensional model of the body. Models of clothing, which correspond to the parameters of the three-dimensional model of the subject, are selected from clothing databases. A consumer receives, on the screen of their computer, three-dimensional images of their body in the selected clothing models.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/323,366 titled METHOD FOR VIRTUALLY SELECTING CLOTHING filed Jun. 9, 2015 and published as U.S. 2017/0156430 A1.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments relate to the clothing industry and associated trade industry, in particular to an approach for virtually selecting clothing by creating a virtual three-dimensional body template, and by selecting virtually ready-made or made-to-measure clothing and accessories.

Over the centuries, worldwide fashion and clothing manufacturers have used the experience of producing clothing items based on measurements of a subject's body. Many years of statistical studies and experience in manufacturing and trading yielded standards allowing to structure and systematize human race (and presently, the entire pet population as well) based on height, girth, gender, age and other parameters. Therefore, measurement data of a subject's body are primary parameters for manufacturing and fitting of clothing.

An object of the present embodiments is to bridge the gap between clothing sellers, manufacturers and ultimate consumers, thus satisfying common interests and requirements by using technology of virtual clothing selection. Further, the present technology may greatly enhance current technologies which have already been proved to be effective.

BACKGROUND

Presently, virtual clothing selection is implemented using various methods. Some of the methods are described in the following prior art documents.

CA2518017 C discloses scanning a body using a graphically segmented elastic covering and a video camera placed at a fixed distance and passing along a fixed orbit around the static body. CA2518017 C was published on 3 Jan. 2012, to Dirk Rutschmann. This prior art approach has the following disadvantages: the body has to be kept static during scanning; the virtual model of the body obtained by scanning is static; using complex specialized hardware; using non-standardized auxiliary devices; and only one body can be scanned at a time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,718 A1 discloses modeling a three-dimensional body shape using a computational method after capturing an image from a predetermined distance with a specialized infrared-sensitive camera to Ziquan Hong et al., and initially assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. This prior art approach has the following disadvantages: computational complexity; high error margins in measurement results associated with the computational method; using expensive specialized measuring hardware; and specific studio conditions are required to carry out the imaging procedure.

WO 2012/129252 discloses three-dimensional modeling of a body shape by combining and projecting the shape based on two-dimensional projections obtained by capturing photographic images of a subject (to Paul James Kane et al., and assigned to Eastman Kodak Company. This prior art approach has the following disadvantages: large amounts of data subsequently requiring compression; limited result generation speed due to computational complexity; necessary software requires excessive computer processing power and large data transmission bandwidth; a specialized video camera is required for imaging; specific studio conditions are required to carry out the imaging procedure; and simultaneous scanning is limited to two bodies.

RU 2504009 entitled “METHOD FOR PROVIDING REMOTE FITTING AND/OR SELECTION OF CLOTHING” discloses a method of facilitating remote fitting and/or selection of clothes, the method including: (a) setting up and maintaining at least one web-site based on at least one web-server; (b) creating, based on computer data storage media connected to the said web-server through the Internet, at least one database of three-dimensional models of clothing items, the creating comprising the steps of: forming a library of three-dimensional templates of clothes changeable depending on size and/or type of material, forming a library of three-dimensional templates of human bodies for both genders and constitution types, with the use of a photo panel made of flexible material, provided with a graphic marking, and a photographic camera, obtaining at least two photographs of different sides of one clothing item, mainly its front side and back side, selecting on the photograph contours of a clothing item as well as type, shape and geometric dimensions of component parts of the clothing item, finding in a database of clothing items or building a similar three-dimensional model of a clothing item using said template of the clothing item and the photographs of the clothing item taken, and providing the obtained three-dimensional model of the clothing item with the data necessary for its fitting and characterizing at least one of its type, size, color and brand name; (c) facilitating interaction of a consumer with the web-server through the web-site for fitting and/or selection of clothes, the facilitating comprising: receiving an input of data on a customer's body dimensions chosen from dimensions which include, at least: height, chest circumference, waist line circumference, hip circumference, hip height, leg length, arm length, underbust circumference, shoulder circumference, shoulder length, neck circumference, shoulder breadth, length of back till waist line, breast center, length of the front till waist line, breast height, back breadth, calf circumference, building a three-dimensional model of the body of the consumer with the use of a predetermined three-dimensional template of a human body, corresponding to the input data, receiving input of data on the clothing items required by the customer, determining availability of the three-dimensional models of the clothing items corresponding to the obtained customer's body three-dimensional model, and selecting at least one clothing item, corresponding to the obtained three-dimensional model of the customer's body if at least one required three-dimensional model of the clothing item is available.

One disadvantage of the prior art approach is that the shape of the three-dimensional mannequin model differs from the body shape of a real human, and therefore mere knowledge of linear dimensions of the human body does not provide for the ideal fit of clothing on the human figure.

The method lists organizational arrangements required to provide cooperation between clothing manufacturers and retail networks; however, the method lacks measurement technology providing good fit of clothing for an individual three-dimensional figure. The method also does not allow the consumer to see a realistic three-dimensional image of clothing on his/her body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present approach provides a virtual three-dimensional mannequin having the unique proportions of an individual subject, with the selected article of clothing put thereon. The approach may address the problem of selecting clothing from databases of various clothing manufacturers, the clothing fitting an individual subject not only by size, but also by corresponding body type. Furthermore, achieving the desired effect may involve the use of only two images of the subject, the images being front view and rear view, while the subject is covered by an elastic covering having reference markings. The covering is used in calculating anthropometric data of the measured subject and forming a virtual three-dimensional template of the subject's body. The computer processing of the photo or video images includes: determining size type of the elastic template by the type of reference markings; comparing dimensions of extensible portions on the photo image having reference dimensions of non-extensible graphical elements on the template; determining linear dimensions of body parts being measured; said determination being provided by the fact that the template comprises an elastic base extensible within one individual size type with non-extensible graphical elements of a particular shape and size affixed to the outer surface of the base, said elements having dimensional stability and non-extensibility in all directions. Shape, number and positioning of non-extensible graphical elements are selected based on the template size type.

The seller functions as a link between the clothing manufacturer and the buyer by establishing (e.g., on the seller's website with computing hardware) available databases of human body sizes and catalogs of clothing in production. Furthermore, the seller may provide clothing manufacturers with data pertaining to changing trends in anthropometric parameters, tastes and requirements of product consumers, and provides buyers with data pertaining to available clothing models more suitable for the buyer based on shape.

Wide use of the present approach would allow for gathering statistical data pertaining to anthropometric parameters of the population for inputting into databases, and would allow for development of various clothing models based on the statistical data.

In one embodiment, a method is for virtually selecting clothing, the method including: obtaining multiple images, including at least a front view and a rear view, of a subject, wearing an elastic template having reference markings, to be provided with selected clothing and transferring the images to a computing device; computer processing the images of the subject using the reference markings to determine body parameters thereof and transfer corresponding image data to a computer server; comparing the body parameters of the subject with size parameters of clothing, and selecting articles of clothing based upon the comparison; and forming a three-dimensional image of a mannequin having the body parameters of the subject to wear the selected articles of clothing. The computer processing of the images includes: providing the elastic template having an elastic base, extensible within an individual size type, with non-extensible graphical elements as the reference markings and to be visible on at least the front view and the rear view; providing the non-extensible graphical elements of different geometric shapes and sizes, affixing the non-extensible graphical elements to an outer surface of the elastic base, the non-extensible graphical elements having dimensional stability and non-extensibility in multiple directions, and providing a size template; determining a size type of the elastic template based upon the reference markings; and comparing dimensions of extensible portions on the images with reference dimensions of the extensible portions, the reference dimensions being the dimensions of non-extensible graphical elements as the reference markings on the elastic template. The shape, number and positioning of the non-extensible graphical elements are selected based on the size type of the elastic template.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of a human body and an example of standard measurements of a human body.

FIG. 2 shows an example of capturing a photographic image of a subject wearing an elastic template.

FIG. 3 shows a comparison of sections at waist level illustrating the principle of volume and shape recognition on a two-dimensional image. For the purposes of comparison, four sections at waist level and side views of each section are shown.

FIG. 4 shows a comparison of two different figures dressed in identical elastic templates. The figure illustrates changes in relative position of reference geometrical elements of the templates when the elastic templates are worn by two people with different size features.

FIG. 5 shows an example of virtual realization of three-dimensional mathematical models.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating the virtual clothing selection algorithm.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram illustrating highlighting and positioning of measured areas and showing parts of the body relevant for measuring.

FIG. 8 shows an example of dynamic use of the elastic template. The figure illustrates the possibility of using the system when moving, in order to create a most realistic effect of posing in front of the mirror.

FIG. 9 shows an example of elastic templates bearing reference markings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Traditional methods of designing clothing are essentially based on calculations based on anthropological body measurements taken according to standards applicable to the entire world population. An example of some of the primary human body measurements is shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a front view, a rear view and a side view of a human body. The views may be important for determining individual body size features, in the order listed above. View 1 in FIG. 1 shows primary measurements for determining size features on the front side of the body. The number of measurements taken using this view is at least twenty. Most of the measurements are taken using this view. For some types of clothing, measurements taken using this view are enough, allowing the consumer to receive the measurement result and use it after taking just one image, further adjusting and supplementing the obtained effect with further measurements.

View 2 in FIG. 1 (rear view) can provide at least seven (7) measurements, and View 3 in FIG. 1 (side view) can provide at least seven (7) measurements; most of the measurements are supplementary and are used only to adjust measurements taken using other views. The supplementary measurements assist in determining posture and balance of an article of clothing and parts thereof. Following the step of taking measurements shown in FIG. 1, any tailor, fitter or designer can manufacture clothing for the measured body, and a clothing seller can offer an in-stock clothing range of matching size.

The special importance of the two primary views (front view and rear view) in obtaining the most important measurements requires auxiliary methods for marking body surface using reference elements, the methods allowing to calculate volume parameters using only two-dimensional images.

One of such methods includes marking side surfaces of the body using non-extensible reference elements, parts of which should be visible on two views. The elements have an elongated shape, extending along their length across side surfaces of the body. Such elements provide measurements of non-visible portions of body surface that are not caught by the photo/video camera lens, and allow for precise depth of field measurement. Usually, the measured body is measured in a vertical position, and images are captured through a lens positioned in front of the measured object.

An example of conventional photo/video imaging is shown in FIG. 2. The example shows that side surfaces of all parts of the body located in the “blind spot” of the camera are marked in FIG. 2, View 1 with elongated reference elements arranged mostly in horizontal planes. In contrast, parts of the body directly visible to the camera are marked with reference elements of different shapes and sizes, which allows for calculation of spatial positions thereof and forms a unique pattern of individual portions of the body, thus facilitating recognition of the portions. The figure shows that measurement as a process may not be difficult for the user of the method since it is carried out with the user assuming a regular natural posture; the process is no more difficult than a regular photo or video imaging. The user of the method is only required to wear a special device, to ensure that the body or required parts thereof are in the frame of the camera lens, and to carry out the imaging.

The result of the photo or video imaging can be owned solely by the user, if required. After obtaining a photographic image or a video footage, the user can freely use the photo/video materials. Obtained images do not constitute a measurement result, but may be a primary material used for subsequent processing and calculations. Therefore, the material can be processed at a different time using various methods.

An example of the method for body measurement and calculations of geometrical parameters of body surface is shown in FIG. 3. The figure shows sections of the human body (FIG. 3, View 2) at waist level. Section position is shown in FIG. 2, View 2. The figure shows four different sizes of sections in FIG. 3, View 1, showing not only particular volume differences, but also shape differences. For example, sections 1 and 2 have identical linear size on X-axis, and sections 3 and 4 have identical size on Y-axis. Body surface at waist level is projected onto photo camera lens (FIG. 3, View 3). The comparison between visual section measurement results at waist level for four different sizes and shapes illustrates the principle and possibility of extracting required measurement data. The visual results of each measurement example are unique, as shown in FIG. 3, View 4. The visual result shown in a photographic image is unique for each human figure, as each human body is unique.

FIG. 4. shows an example of two different human figures in front view, the figures covered in an overall-type template bearing graphical reference elements having a standard pattern and size. Figures clearly show differences in size features. For the purposes of clarity, horizontal lines in FIG. 4 show differences in height (View 1), sleeve length (View 2) and position of shoulder points (View 3). The figure clearly shows differences in waist circumference, hip circumference, chest circumference, shoulder circumference, wrist circumference, etc. The figure demonstrates that any size features of the human body will appear on the photographic image, and therefore, a pattern based on relative positioning of reference elements will be unique for each individual and, in case of sufficient detail visibility, each individual pattern can be converted into a three-dimensional mathematical model.

An example of virtual realization of three-dimensional mathematical models is shown in FIG. 5. Different amounts of calculations and different degrees of calculation detail can provide modeling result of different complexity. For example, the calculation results are divided into three groups. The first group of calculations includes the simplest calculations associated with taking body measurements. The result of the calculations is recorded as a numerical expression and can be supplemented with a textual description (FIG. 5, View 1). In recording of measurements, the amount of stored data is minimal, the data is easy to work with, to transfer electronically and to store on electronic storage media, the data can further be readily arranged in a list or a table or printed out. The data for the model is expressed alphanumerically, thus providing ease of file recording, formatting and re-encoding between different systems. Such a mathematical model type is convenient and fully adapted for use in systems of automatic clothing programming widely available worldwide.

An example of a different level of a three-dimensional virtual model (FIG. 5, View 2) is a static three-dimensional contour made up of intersecting curved lines, the contour circumscribing body surface shape and size. A digital description of a virtual model of this type is realized with files of specific types using functions, equations and spatial coordinates for providing a detailed description. The calculations for such model are more complex compared to the model shown in FIG. 5, View 1, and require computing hardware of greater processing power. The results of such calculation are stored in graphical files of certain formats and may be read using dedicated software. Some of the automatic clothing programming systems comprise 3D modules and provide fitting of clothing based on three-dimensional models. In any case, the amount of stored or transferred data in this example is much higher, which can be pose difficulties in transferring and storing the data, as well as in transferring, decompressing or re-formatting of files of such type. However, the three-dimensional model has an important advantage, as it can be used to extract a model with first-level measurements (FIG. 5, View 1) or any individual measurements on demand.

The most complex of the models is shown in FIG. 5, View 3. The model is a view of a virtual model of FIG. 5, View 2, supplemented with algorithms describing motion parameters of the body. The dynamic model is also a spatial contour consisting of curved lines forming a net of varying density circumscribing body surface, the contour supplemented with a support contour describing the skeleton with joints and muscles, as well as individual tendencies and characteristics relating to motion, gait and limits of flexibility of the human prototype. The description of the support contour, the effect of motion on body surface and the description of motion scenarios constitute a large additional chunk of data which may need computing hardware with high processing power. This technology is yet to be used in conventional CAD systems, but such possibilities would be interesting for the consumer. A file containing a dynamic model description is even larger than the static model file. In addition to the measurement extraction ability, such model would provide additional possibilities of dynamic fitting or taking measurements from a body or parts thereof imaged in non-standard positions. For example, such model can be used for fitting form-fitting trousers with the user in a squatting position, or for fitting sleeve length with the user's arm outstretched forward or raised upwards.

In order to extract required measurements from a visual result, the frame may be processed using dedicated software that provides calculations of body measurements and of spatial coordinates of graphical reference elements with required precision. FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of the procedure of taking measurements, the chart describes the operating sequence of the method and system. (1) The user puts the covering on his/her body or parts thereof the user wants to be measured. The process is not difficult to carry out at home, and a healthy adult person can do it without help. (2) Photo or video imaging of the body to be measured is required. Image quality must be enough to recognize details of the covering and reference elements.

The photographic image must be recorded in a digital format, so that (3) the software could subsequently process the image file. The user specifies a measurement target (4) and the desired measurement result. (5) Several variations of virtual models can be selected; each model can include subtypes differing in precision and detail. If the photo/video image quality is insufficient or the material is incomplete, the software performs preliminary processing, and then informs the user that the material is incomplete and recommends supplementing the material with additional photo/video images.

After all calculations carried out by software are complete, the user is provided with the desired result or a number of results (6) recorded in files (12). Software data can be processed on the user's personal computer if relevant software is installed. Alternatively, the user can send primary material to a remote server providing a service, and receive the result without installing software. Prior to calculation, the software may correct any optical distortion of the lens (7) occurring in any optical systems, and prepares photographic material for subsequent calculations.

The calculation process further includes steps (8) of extraction of portions relevant for measurement or highlighting all reference elements for creating spatial contours. Following the principle of extracting conventional tailoring measurements as a basic result from the entire body of data in order to emphasize important measurement areas, a separate amplified extraction of such body portions and related measurement areas can be performed. Such extraction can be achieved using various methods: color-coding, textures, reflective or contrasting elements, or using elements of a specific shape on each individual body portion in order to improve precision of measurements being taken.

Device standard may be taken into account during calculation (9). Device standards may be needed for taking precise measurements. Due to the elasticity of the covering material of the device, the extension coefficient thereof allows the device to be stretched by over 35%; thus, a device having one standard can be used by persons of different height, girth and body sizes. When calculating coordinates and sizes of reference elements (10) in case of measurement calculations, the software uses less processing power and calculates coordinates of reference elements only for body portions relevant for taking measurements. Body portions relevant for taking measurements and determining posture are shown in FIG. 7. The measurement calculation step (11) or spatial contour calculation step may be the last step of the calculation process for static models, with further steps of skeletal, joint and animation calculations (11 a, 11 b) in case of a dynamic model. In online mode, the software simply tracks motion of the elements and adjusts position thereof, which allows for recalculation of the contour and for reproduction of movement with specified frequency.

An example of using the method in online mode is shown in FIG. 8. Essentially, the subject sees themselves on the screen as if they were using a mirror. The subject can move arbitrarily, similarly to the process of trying on clothes in front of a mirror, but the process of selecting and changing clothing is significantly faster since the software determines and offers only clothing of suitable sizes.

The process of changing clothes does not require any physical activity and can be performed by clicking on a desired clothing design. The subject can select the changing-room background image and can see themselves in any setting, indoors or outdoors, in various simulated conditions of the environment.

An example of elastic templates bearing reference markings is shown in FIG. 9. Graphical elements on devices with different standards are combined in various combinations, providing visual recognition and individual pattern for elastic templates of each size type. Examples of four elastic templates of differing standards are illustrated in the figure. An example of elastic template size type selection is shown in the table in FIG. 9.

Elastic template selection is determined using the size type table, with chest, waist and hip circumference and height used as primary selection parameters. For example, women with height ranging from 146 cm to 170 cm and with girth groups 1 to 4 (based on standard figure types) can select one of five elastic template sizes using the elastic template standard selection table. Men with height ranging from 155 cm to 188 cm can select one of four standards based on chest and hip circumference values using the selection table.

If the user does not know his/her body size, his/her body can be measured using a measuring tape with tolerable margin of error. Any margin of error is compensated by the elastic template due to extensibility and form-fitting and form-hugging nature of the template following the individual body shape. Having selected an elastic template of suitable size type, the user may purchase the elastic template for personal use. A standard elastic template can fit multiple bodies with similar size features and can be used multiple times indefinitely. The elastic template can be used to save time for the buyer selecting and picking clothing at home or in special changing rooms arranged in retail shops. The elastic template can be put on a naked body, over regular underwear or over thin underwear covering the entire body. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A method for virtually selecting clothing, the method including: obtaining multiple images, including at least a front view and a rear view, of a subject, wearing an elastic template having reference markings, to be provided with selected clothing and transferring the images to a computing device; computer processing the images of the subject using the reference markings to determine body parameters thereof and transfer corresponding image data to a computer server; comparing the body parameters of the subject with size parameters of clothing, and selecting articles of clothing based upon the comparison; and forming a three-dimensional image of a mannequin having the body parameters of the subject to wear the selected articles of clothing; wherein the computer processing of the images includes providing the elastic template having an elastic base, extensible within an individual size type, with non-extensible graphical elements as the reference markings and to be visible on at least the front view and the rear view, providing the non-extensible graphical elements of different geometric shapes and sizes, affixing the non-extensible graphical elements to an outer surface of the elastic base, the non-extensible graphical elements having dimensional stability and non-extensibility in multiple directions, and providing a size template, determining a size type of the elastic template based upon the reference markings, and comparing dimensions of extensible portions on the images with reference dimensions of the extensible portions, the reference dimensions being the dimensions of non-extensible graphical elements as the reference markings on the elastic template, wherein shape, number and positioning of the non-extensible graphical elements are selected based on the size type of the elastic template.
 2. The method according to claim 1 comprising: using standardized sets of elastic templates having reference markings and different size types comprising at least one of full bodied clothing and individual articles of clothing; and using software for processing the images of bodies wearing the elastic templates, the software being stored on at least one of a personal computing device and website.
 3. The method according to claim 1 comprising: forming a library of template size types with markings formed by the non-extensible elements while simultaneously using the standardized sets of elastic templates.
 4. The method according to claim 1 comprising: installing on at least one of a single computer and a plurality of computers, the software used for computing dimensions of various body areas and building three-dimensional models of the subject's body based on computations.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein at least one computer is used for preparing the images for subsequent processing and another computer is used for remaining computations.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the server corresponds to a clothing seller.
 7. The method according to claim 1 comprising: recording body parameters and image data of the measured subject in a library stored on the server; and storing the three-dimensional model of the subject's body on the server in a library accessible by the subject, the seller and the clothing manufacturer, wherein the library data can be subsequently used by the subject by inputting an identification code without further measurement of the body parameters.
 8. The method according to claim 7 wherein each subject in the library of three-dimensional subject body models on the server is assigned a unique identification code.
 9. The method according to claim 1 comprising: providing the size template disposing the non-extensible graphical elements selectively defining spatial positions between them by forming a unique pattern of individual portions of the body for each template size type.
 10. The method according to claim 1 further comprising affixing said non-extensible graphical elements so that said front view and said rear view of the images comprise a part of the non-extensible graphical elements. 